One of the funniest films released last year Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day has come to DVD and Blu-ray. While the title is way too long the film packs a lot a laughter in just an hour and 21 minutes. A lot of fun for the whole family, the movie points out how anyone can have a day go wrong, but there’s always a bright side. Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner are at their best and the direction by Miguel Arteta top notch.

Ed Oxenbould as Alexander

The story opens with a scene that takes place well into the movie and quickly reverts to Alexander waking up two mornings before. He’s a middle school kid that feels good about himself, especially his outlook about school and his upcoming birthday party. But, all that’s about to change when he trips over a sprinkler head while lost in emotion over his first love Becky. From there it’s all downhill from a rival having his birthday party on the same day, a disappointment in Geography Class, disaster in the science lab, and a whole family of untimely happenings. Sorting it all out takes you on an adventure that’s inconceivable and extremely funny.

The direction by Miguel Arteta must have been a nightmare of choreography, timing, camera placement and special effects, because this film has an amazing amount of intricate pratfalls that need to go right. He moves his cast from one scene to another keeping his movie going at a fast clip. It’s a good thing because here shorter is better for a family comedy. It’s filled with fun things you would never want to happen to anyone and he assures his wide audience a very good time.

Dylan Minnette, Ed Oxenbould, Kerris Dorsey, Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner and ZoeyElise Vargas

The cast give perfectly timed performances making the comedy look good and providing the energy needed to keep the audience laughing. Steve Carell is at his best as the at home dad who’s lost his job in the space industry and now serves as the fommy (a father mommy). He inserts his brand of take-it-in stride signature comedy that’s been expected of him, nailing the role. As his marketing executive wife Jennifer Garner comes up with a very layback character that takes things in stride providing a good straight person for Carell to bounce off his humor.

But the real star of the film comes with a cool performance by pre-teen Ed Oxenbould. He delivers Alexander on a silver platter for all kids to sympathize, laugh at and dream about ways to turn themselves around when caught up in the kind of situations the character finds himself. His timing is perfect in every problematic situation and director Artera puts him through his paces for a very entertaining film.

Bonus Features:

The film has a number of extras on the Blu-ray disc that are all worth a watch by any member of the family.

“Alexander in Real Life” here the cast, author and son of the author talk about how the story came about.
“Snappy Crocs and — Roos: The Australian Outback Yard Party” shows how the very fun party was put together and how the animal wranglers controlled the crocs, Kangaroos, birds etc in order to get the perfect scenes.
“ Walkabout, A Video Diary” has Ed Oxenbould walking around with a hand held personal camera through sets, make-up, and dressing rooms and bumping into other stars along the way.
“And the Delightful, Magnificent, Very Good Bloopers” show a lot of clowning around during takes and more.
“’Hurricane’ by The Vamps- a music video” The main song from the movie gets a film clip makeover.

The video quality of the blu-ray is extremely good played on a HD television. It captures all the colors, special effects and transfers nicely from the big screen. The sound quality using the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 or Dolby Digital 2.0 gives an excellent presentation with no distortion.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day has been rated PG by the MPAA for rude humor including some reckless behavior and language. The film should not be a problem for families, but caution should always be advised for the youngest of tykes.

FINAL ANALYSIS: One of the best family comedies on video. (B+)

Specifications and additional video information:
Cast:  Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Zoey/Elise Vargas, Kerris Dorsey, Dylan Minnette and Ed Oxenbould
Director: Miguel Arteta
MPAA Rating: PG for rude humor including some reckless behavior and language
Genre: Comedy, Family
Running Time: 1 hr. 21 min
Video Release Date: February 10, 2015
Original Film Release Date: October 10, 2014
Language: English (also can be switched to French, Spanish and Deutsch)
Format: Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 or Dolby Digital 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Video: Widescreen Aspect Ration 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, English, French, Spanish and Deutsch
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment